BUCKLE DELIGHT WITH TROPHY WIN

Paul Buckle paid tribute to the side that saw off Dorchester and earned the Hatters a place in the second round of the FA Trophy.

The manager made eight changes to the side that beat the Magpies in the FA Cup meeting on Saturday and two goals from Dan Walker and one from JJ O'Donnell helped the Town secure a 3-1 victory.

"I thought the players approached the game in a brilliant manner," Buckle said afterwards. "I felt they were aggressive in their approach and it was a no-nonsense way in which they put Dorchester to the sword.

"We scored three good goals and not one player let us down. I'm absolutely thrilled. It was dangerous making as many changes as we did but we trusted the players we've got here and they didn't prove me wrong.

"A number of players out there haven't had a lot of football recently but it didn't look that way. That's the hard work and determination on the training ground paying off.

"It wasn't a second string. We have one squad here. Everyone's in it together and tonight showed that."

Buckle was also delighted that striker Jon Shaw - who weighed in with two assists - Matt Robinson and Adam Watkins played the full 90 minutes whilst James Dance featured for 66 minutes.

"For Jon to get through 90 minutes is fantastic," said the boss. "Jon's a big player for us and we needed him back.

"Watkins, Robinson and Dance have done well too - it was a really good team effort. I played a team tonight that I felt could win and they haven't let me down.

"The only downside was another broken nose to a defender of ours. Alex Lacey's is broken in two places."

Buckle was also pleased with the way his side started the game with O'Donnell's and Walker's first half strikes putting the Town two-up inside 17 minutes.

"The gameplan was to get at them early and try and show Dorchester that there was nothing for them here tonight," said the boss.

"We were positive, and JJ's goal epitomised us but it was a tough old game where winning the second balls was vital. Victory tonight was no more than we deserved."